Office Safety

Does your office have easy-to-use phones with programmed emergency numbers, sign-in procedures for visitors, good locks, & lighting? How about safety training? If you answered “no” to any of these questions than allow us to help make your office a safer place!

The following information is designed to call attention to areas of your workplace that can be made safer. Whether you are at home or at work, crime prevention is everyone’s business. When you go to work, don’t leave your crime prevention sense at home. Almost any crime that can happen at home or in your neighborhood can happen in the workplace.

Personal Items

Some of the easiest items for a thief to steal are items that are small enough to hide inside a pocket-like a wallet!

When hanging up your coat take valuables out of your pockets and take them with you or lock them up. A coat pocket is one of the most inviting places for a thief!

Keep your purse and personal items in a locked desk or file cabinet. If “hiding” your purse under the desk is the safest place you know of-think again. This is the first place a thief will look!

Keep small items like calculators, radios & equipment locked away. So not to draw a thief's attention, items that can be concealed should be!

Computer and Data Security

Your indispensable computer has become a vault for the storage of personal and critical information—a prime target for today's technology-wise thief!

Invest in a security system, such as the S.T.O.P (Security Tracking of Office Property) security plates, a cable lock, a bolting system, or an alarm.

If there are several computer terminals or a concentration of equipment in one or more rooms, more elaborate security is suggested.

Log off or lock your keyboard when not in use.

Install anti-virus/malware & firewalls and make sure your computer’s Operating System & Software are up-to-date. This is the first line of defense in preventing a leak of personal information and the misuse of your computer!

Backup your personal data to a CD, DVD, or removable media. Backing up your data is essential to prevent loss of personal data in the event that your computer is lost or stolen.

For more information on computer security resources contact Information Technology (IT) (818-677-5700) or university police (818-677-7922).

Safety Tips for Campus Departments

Does your department have a procedure for petty cash? How about state keys? The loss of a state key can give a thief direct access into your office!

Keep complete, up-to-date records of the disposition of all office keys.

Issue keys to those who need them and set procedures for collecting keys from terminated employees.

Have one centralized, secure location for your petty cash.

Consider a secured file in an inner office in which you are able to lock your metal cash box or locking change bag.

Always lock doors & windows when you leave the area—even if only for a minute.

Closed is NOT locked—a thief will know the difference!

If doors only have a locking knob or lever, request to have a deadbolt installed for additional security.

Report suspicious individuals immediately

See someone acting suspicious–wandering aimlessly or loitering in an office? If you’re in doubt as to whether someone is on legitimate business, just ask, “May I help you?” Thieves often use a cover story and claim they work on campus. Once they have been confronted they usually leave the area. Note their description and call the police.

Electronics such as laptops, desktops and projectors can also be secured using devices such as cable locks, thus limiting the likelihood of an opportunistic theft. Security devices such as cable locks do not guarantee the property will not be stolen but offers physical security by preventing a quick, “snatch and grab.”

Mark your valuables in some distinctive, obvious fashion.

Have your property engraved free of charge at the university police department. It’s quick and helps to identify personal or department property (made of metal, plastic, glass or wood) with numbers, initials or designs.

Contact the Department of Police Services immediately if you suspect property is lost or stolen. Prompt notification to law enforcement is crucial. It can aid in a thorough investigation by helping police preserve evidence, apprehend suspects and return stolen property.

Emergency Contacts:

911 - Police/fire/medical (From a campus phone)

(818) 677-2111 - University Police (from a cell phone)

Emergency blue light phones & Yellow TTY emergency call boxes

Emergency Information/Campus Information Lines (Used in the event of a campus emergency/disruption):